Abstract: This invention provides vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) reinforced continuous fiber performs for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCF produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCF infused with the continuous fiber preform. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are high in volume fraction of VGCF and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. Furthermore, this invention provides for a continuous fiber preform infused with VGCF so that the carbon nanofibers are always contained within the fiber preform. This eliminates the processing steps for isolated carbon nanofibers reported in other carbon nanofiber composite approaches and therefore greatly reduces risk of environmental release and exposure to carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel imide oligomer compositions, polyimides formed therefrom, and methods for making and using the same. In particular, the invention relates to novel polyimide oligomers comprising 3,3?,4,4?-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), 2-(3,4-dicarboxy phenyl)-1-phenylacetylene anhydride (PE), and a mixture of 1,3-diaminobenzene and 4,4?-(1,3-phenylenediisopropylidene) bisaniline. The polyimide oligomers demonstrate low melt viscosity (these resins are melt processable) while retaining exceptional thermo-oxidative stability, high glass transition temperature, and good mechanical properties in the cured state.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous process for the growth of vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCNT) reinforced continuous fiber preforms for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCNT produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCNT infused with the continuous fiber preform. The continuous process disclosed herein provides denser and more uniform carbon nanotubes and provides the opportunity to fine-tune the variables both within an individual preform and between different preforms depending on the characteristics of the carbon nanotubes desired. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are essentially endless and are high in volume fraction of VGCNT and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. The invention also provides for composites made from the preforms.

Abstract: A process for producing-vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) reinforced continuous fiber performs for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics is disclosed. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCF produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCF infused with the continuous fiber preform. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are high in volume fraction of VGCF and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. Furthermore, this invention provides for a continuous fiber preform infused with VGCF so that the carbon nanofibers are always contained within the fiber preform. This eliminates the processing steps for isolated carbon nanofibers reported in other carbon nanofiber composite approaches and therefore greatly reduces risk of environmental release and exposure to carbon nanofibers.